What is the likelihood of

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Getting poison ivy from your dog?

My puppy was just in a small area of young poison ivy plants.  Aside from wrapping him in plastic wrap (J/K), any other ways to avoid getting it?

[Sam_2.0]

Wash him with Dawn to cut the oils he may have on his coat. He can spread it for as long as the oil is around. And make sure to wash yourself well afterwards and maybe wear gloves to limit contact as much as possible. DH takes a shower with Dawn after being out in the backyard with the poison ivy and it has helped him from getting it.

[justme]

If the dog has it, you will if you don't get the oils off the dog. Unless you're one of those lucky bastards that doesn't react to it. And if you are don't tell anyone you are otherwise you'll always get stuck dealing with it. 

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Thanks, Sam!!

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Sadly, I DO react.  Not sure about the kids.  Oy vey.  He was sniffing in it and it was definitely brushing against his body.  Thank goodness I use Dawn, anyway.  

[haapai]

I'd say that the odds of getting poison ivy from your dog are pretty good.  My mom breaks out in a rash from handling clothing that has brushed up against the evil stuff.  Her sensitivity has increased over the years. 

As for how to avoid getting it again, Round-Up.  I'm sure that you didn't want to hear that, but that's what comes to mind.   Removing the stuff manually is the kind of job that I'd hate to foist on anyone else and it frequently doesn't work. 


To avoid having to spray, fence, and handle dead but still itchy-causing poison ivy multiple times, you may want to read up on the product and apply it under the most opportune conditions possible.  It may be more effective when the plant is actively growing, or during cooler temps, or when rain is not expected.

[Bonny]

When we lived in this house the first time I used to always have a very mild case just below the bottom of my shorts because of my cat sitting on my lap after he would do his tour around the house.

Then we started taking a damp wash cloth to him when he would come back in. He seemed to tolerate it o.k. and we didn't get poison oak anymore.

We don't seem to have the problem anymore since moving back. Now the cat is an old man cat and doesn't wander as far. Not sure why we don't get if from the Deutsche cat but I'm sure grateful!

[Deleted]

You definitely need to shampoo him, ASAP. I'd shampoo him in the bathtub and take a shower with / after him.

People's reactions to any allergen can vary. One day DS2 went to visit his dad in the morning and played with his dad's dog. DS2's girlfriend came over late that night, about 10 hours later. DS2 woke me up a couple of hours later because his GF was having such a bad allergic reaction.

I gave her Claritine (sp?) and had cortisone on hand. Thank Gd she was better in 10 minutes. O course I was dressed / ready to go to the ER and / or about to call the firemen (EMTs).

So it really depends on how badly allergic a person is. Definitely better to shampoo the pup, and yourself.  

ETA: It's difficult to put those recalcitrant 25YOs in the car seats and just go to the ER against their will LOL. 

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

So, my neighbor gave me some "Tecnu" which is specifically formulated to remove poison ivy/oak oil from pets.  I used it on him (with gloves on) and then on my exposed areas.  We'll have to wait and see.  Of course, I feel itchy EVERYWHERE, LOL.  

As as for getting rid of it, this is a short-term rental that butts right up to a town forest.  If the poison ivy is addressed, it will be by the owners and the conservation commission.